Tubber have consistently produced underage and primary school successes down through the decades, and while committed coaches were developing and coaching groups of up to twenty plus boys and girls from under 7 to 11 in the immediately prior years, since the official launch, the energy, multi-layered initiatives, focus on developing new coaches and particularly, the prioritisation of an ethos of fun and enjoyment have all led to exceptional growth in the number of children currently participating in weekly coaching sessions i.e. over 70 boys and girls at present. Further to the immense credit due to club officers and coordinators of the five year plan, the continuing emphasis on the creation of an enjoyable, supportive, holistic and child centred environment is underpinned by the children’s parents and their role in nurturing this wholesome underage culture.

Interwoven throughout the years and across all hurling and camogie groupings from under seven, under 8, under nine and under 11-not forgetting the under sixes- are a rich menu of fixtures, involving multiple blitzes and whole county monster blitzes, many of which are home club based, and which all generate enthusiasm, family trips, friendships and shared club experiences. The achievement, skills and sportsmanship of the Tubber intermediate hurlers in qualifying for county finals in 2021 and 2024 resonated with all our young players, and it was wonderful to witness their joy in cheering on their heroes’ every move; rest assured that the wonderful skills, sportsmanship and togetherness of our senior players inspired and deepened the children’s connection to the club and will continue to bear fruit for many years to come.

There have been many other highlights over the last few years. Once every month the “Tiger” coaching sessions decamp to Ml. Cusacks or Ballyvaughan in appreciation of the many young club participants from Carron, New Quay, Fanore and Ballyvaughan, and back in 2019, one Carron training session featured on R.T.E., Sky and the on the USA  Golf  Channel. Indeed, a fantastic hurling skills immersion initiative has been undertaken in recent years, whereby Tubber club player and volunteer Mark Earley and partly club funded county camogie star Ellen Casey visit the primary schools in Carron, New Quay, Ballyvaughan and Fanore across different school terms, as part of a joint Clare County Board and Tubber club skills development programme. And In 2023 and 2024, training sessions sparkled with Munster final excitement prior to the Clare v Limerick clashes, as children sported their colourful hats, jerseys, flags and headbands. Adding to the latter occasion was the visit of local All-Ireland minor winning heroes Osgar Dunford and Joe Clancy with the Irish Press Cup in tow. A new 2022 “Easter Camp” initiative (separate to the County Board Summer Camps), coordinated by club based coaches and teenage players began in 2023, is growing all the time, and last year featured guest appearances by county stars Adam Hogan, Darragh Lohan and Ziyan Spillane. There are too many initiatives and activities to record, but worthy of special mention are the club’s comprehensive Skill Development Coaching Plan, the provision of supportive online coaching templates, videos, and particularly the availability of online coaching courses and on field “Coach the Coaches” sessions with Peter Casey, Development Officer for Clare County Board. The very creative and innovative end of season “sports day “games and challenges, the “scary” and hugely entertaining special indoor or outdoor Halloween get-togethers, short indoor winter skill development sessions, new Tiger jersey and leisure wear launches, “camóg for Tiger Mums and participation in half-time exhibition games on prestige occasions etc, provide just a flavour of multiple enjoyable and bonding occasions. Neither should one forget the supportive response during the “covid” years, prioritising information sharing, practical and responsible approaches to coaching and return to play protocols.

All involved with the “Tubber Tigers” are indebted to the broader club and community groups for the fantastic redevelopment of the clubhouse, the design and opening of the playground, the continued high quality maintenance of the playing field and surrounds, as well as the welcoming atmosphere created by the coffee shop facility. A quick perusal of the various Whats App forums give a snapshot of the incredible-often complex-organisational work being done behind the scenes, which create such a vibrant, progressive and enjoyable environment for the children in our care.

In conclusion and to reiterate, the coaches, the children and their parents continue to appreciate the many initiatives undertaken by the club throughout recent years, most particularly, the emphasis which continues to be placed on enjoyment, participation and community.